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China Visa Application Requirements: Required Documents, Invitation Letter & Useful Tips

Notice on Latest Visa and Entry Policies for Foreigners Entering China - Updated on March 7, 2024 :

1. 15 Days Visa Exemption Policy is newly available for Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Read more »

2. Booking of flights and hotels, China itineraries and invitation letters are not required for application of Chinese Tourist Visa for U.S.nationals.

3. 15 Days Visa Exemption Policy is now available for other 6 countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia. Read more »

4. Appointment is not required for visa application in many embassies and consulates.

5. Starting from 00:00 on November 1, 2023, individuals entering or exiting the country are exempt from filling out the "People's Republic of China Health Declaration Card for Entry/Exit."

6. Norway has become the 54th country whose passport holders can transit without visa up to 72/144 hours in China.

7. Starting from August 30, 2023, individuals traveling to China will no longer be required to undergo pre-entry COVID-19 nucleic acid or antigen testing.

8. U.S. citizens holding multi-year multiple-entry visas issued before March 28, 2020, whose visas temporarily lost entry functionality between March 28, 2020, and March 14, 2023, due to the pandemic, are eligible to apply for compensation. Those who choose to apply for compensation will receive a free 3-year multiple-entry visa. Those who choose to waive the compensation can apply for a new 10-year multiple-entry visa at the regular fee.

China Discovery will keep focusing on the updates of the latest Chinese visa and entry policy! You can also call +86 010 12367 (Official telephone number of China National Immigration Administration) to check further information. Welcome to join in our Facebook Groups to catch up with the latest news!

Invitation letter is a vital document for Chinese visa application. If you travel with us, we will not only create a valuable tour for you, but also provide you an invitation letter if you request, which will help you obtain your visa successfully. Start customizing your tour in China now!

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According to Chinese laws and regulations, all applicants must submit materials meeting relevant requirements, otherwise, your visa application will NOT be accepted and processed. Once confirm that you need a visa to visit China, and know which visa category ( Main Types of Chinese Visa ) you should apply for, you shall prepare all required documents before submitting your Chinese Visa application. Therefore, foreign visitors have to prepare and provide basic application documents (including the passport, visa application form, photo and else essentials) together with other necessary supporting documents to Chinese Embassies and Consulates, to prove your legal identity and appropriate purpose of visiting China.

China Visa Requirements - What Documents are Needed for Chinese Visa Application?

Except the passport, visa application form, other basic application materials, each visitor should also get ready relevant supporting documents to make sure the visa application goes smoothly, such as travel itinerary and proof of round-trip air ticket and hotel booking is needed for China Tourist Visa (L Visa) application.

Basic documents are the same for all visa categories, but supporting documents vary from different types of visas. Check the detailed requirements below to better prepare for your Chinese Visa application.

Basic Documents

Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and has at least 2 blank visa pages left.

One photocopy of the valid passport’s data page, which contains the passport's data page and the photo page. (make a separate copy if they are not in one page.)

● Visa Application Form

If you are eligible to China Online Visa Application system (visit www.visaforchina.org and https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn to check first), you’re required to fill in the electronic form on the official website, type all answers step by step. Save and submit the form online. Print it out, sign and subscribe date in the completed paper form.

If the country you normally reside in doesn’t offer online form submission, you need to download the newest China Visa Application Form (version 2013) from the official website of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate. Fill in the electronic form in PDF/DOC format, and print it out.

Notes: Please choose the major purpose of your visit to China properly when you check the options, because it will decide your visa category.

Useful Links: China Visa Application Form Online Completion Guide

Two recently-taken front passport-size bareheaded color photos (need to be attached on the printed visa application form).

The photographs should be taken in the last 6 months, with size of 33mm×48mm, against a white or light solid background, hatless, frontal view presenting full face.

Useful Links: China Visa Photo Requirements, Size,Sample

● Proof of Legal Stay or Residence (apply to outlander applicants)

If you will not apply for Chinese Visa in the state/region of you citizenship (nationality), you must provide the original and photocopy of the valid certificate or visa, which shows your legal stay, residence, work and study in the residing country.

● Previous Chinese Passport or Chinese Visa (apply to former Chinese citizens who later joined to foreign nationality)

If it’s the first time you apply for a Chinese Visa, you are required to submit the original passport and a copy of the passport’s date page.

If you once obtained Chinese Visa, and now apply a new Chinese Visa with a new passport, you should provide the photocopy of the previous passport’s date page, and copy of the old Chinese Visa. (Official certificate of name change is needed, if the name on the current passport is not the same on the old passport.) 

Passport is the First & Foremost Requirement

Complete A China Visa Application Form

China Visa (Paper) Photo Size Requirement

Submit the Old Passport with Former Chinese Visa

Supporting Documents

The supporting document are helpful and necessary proof to the visa officers, that you will go to China in an well-organized, planned way and for good reasons. Thereupon, applicants with different purpose should prepare related materials accordingly.

1. China Tourist Visa - L Visa

2. China Business Visa - M Visa

3. China Work Visa - Z Visa

4. China Student Visa - X1 & X2 Visa

5. China Family Reunion Visa - Q1 & Q2 Visa

6. China Crew Visa - C Visa

7. China Resident Visa - D Visa

8. China Non-commercial Visit Visa - F Visa

9. China Visa-free & Transit Visa - G Visa

10. China Journalist Visa - J1 & J2 Visa

Notes: 1.) What is the visa fee for China? The visa application free differs from visa types, number of entry and nationality. ( How much is a Chinese Visa ) 2.) A holder of category D Visa / J1 Visa / X1 / Q1 / S1 / Z Visa or other types, must apply for a residence permit at the local public security authorities within 30 days of entry into China.

Invitation Letter for China Visa

When applying for most Chinese Visas, a Letter of Invitation (LOI) is required to show the rationality of the upcoming visit. It is a crucial supporting documents applicant should submit with other materials to increase chance of success.

Normally, the invitation letter is issued by a unit (maybe a company, school, and other institutions) or individual who resides in China. The major contents of the letter should include clear and faithful information about the invitee, inviter, and the planed visit. While writing the letter, the inviting party need to check the title and details of the invitation were given accurately and completely.

There is no fixed format and it may be in the form of fax, picture, photocopy, or computer printout. When you submit the Chinese Visa Application, you’re highly recommended to provide the original invitation letter, though most times a photocopy is also accepted.

Here is a template of China Visa Invitation Letter (PDF file) you may refer to.

Sample of China Visa Invitation Letter (from China Visa Application Service Center)

Important FAQs and Useful Tips for China Visa Requirements

1. Special notes about visa application form

If your application form is filled by another person or agent, please provide relevant information. A power of attorne y is needed if he/she will submit application and pick up the visa on your behalf.

2. Requirements for long-term Chinese Visa application

Please note that, if you will apply for a long-term multiple entries Chinese Visa, like 10-Year China Tourist/Business Visa, the passport should be valid at least for 1 year . Other requirements remain the same as those short-term visa types.

3. Make copies of every document (except visa form)

The material you prepared to apply for Chinese Visa is very important, probably some are “only one of a kind”. You can download and print out the visa form without limits. However, it would be a very troublesome thing if you lost other original documents. So you’d better make a backup, avoid any contingency.

4. Prepare at least 2 qualified visa photos

Each country and region has different requirements about the number of visa photos, most of them demands 2 photos, few ask 1 only. You're recommended to prepare 2 or more, just in case.

5. Pay Attention to the Invitation Letter

For China Tourist (L) Visa, the letter of invitation is optional, unless you are indeed invited to visit China. For special types of visa, like, J1 Visa, Z Visa, the issuing authorities are specified officially, while normal visas have no explicit restriction.

How to Get a Visa for China - Chinese Visa Application Guide

❶ find out what kind of visa you need.

Read different types of Chinese Visa to figure out which kind of visa you should apply for. Determine if you are suitable applicants for each visa type, by judging your purpose of visiting is for travel, business, work, transit, family reunion and etc or not. China Tourist Visa (L Visa) is for visitor going to China for tourism, F Visa is for exchanges, study tour, Business Visa (M Visa) is for commercial and trade, Student Visa (X Visa) is for studying in China. More Chinese Visa Types >>

❷ Apply for a Chinese Visa

According to various visa policy, applicants meet relevant requirements can submit China Visa application at Chinese Embassy, Diplomatic and Consular Missions or special ports of entry. You need to prepare and submit your valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity and blank pages, copy of passport’s first page, completed visa application form pasted with 2 recent photos (color photo with white background, taken within past 6 months, size: 48mmx33mm), sufficient visa fee and service charge and other supporting documents.

❸ Collect & check your China visa

The processing time differs from visa types. Normally, it takes about 4 to 5 business days for applicant to get a China Visa, and the accurate collection date will be noted on the pick-up slip. If you submit China Tourist Visa (L Visa) on Monday, you can pick up on Thursday. Check carefully the visa type, duration of stay, number of entries if they are issued correctly or not, after getting your passport back. Double check the validity when you plan to enter China, otherwise you will be denied entry. How Long to Get a Chinese Visa >>

Travel China Worry-free with China Discovery

China Discovery is a professional and experienced travel companion who offers high-value and worry-free tours for you. We not only design ideal itinerary covering sightseeing, dining, transfer and hotel, but also can provide Invitation Letter to help you obtain Chinese Visa. If it’s your first time travel to China, Beijing , Shanghai , Xian and Guilin are the top recommended destinations with best representative tourism attractions of. The great cultural, historical, natural landscape will fulfill your dream tour to China. For those who want an in-depth discovery in China, featured China Panda Tour , Ancient Silk Road Tour , High Speed Train Tour , Colorful Ethnic Tour are good ways to find more interesting places and authentic locals.

Most Recommended China Tours:

• ● 6 Days Classic Beijing Xian High Speed Train Tour
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• ● 14 Days Shanghai to Yunnan Wild China Expresses Tour
• ● 15 Days Ancient China Silk Road Tour with Bullet Train

If you are interested in China visa-free tour, we could also customize a China Visa-free Tour in Beijing , Shanghai , Xian , Chengdu , Hangzhou and more available destinations if you meet relevant visa requirements.

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• Ultimate China Visa Guide
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Top 3 tours chosen by most customers to explore in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

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• How to Apply
• Application Requirements
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• Entries /Validity /Duration
• 10-year China Visa
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China Tourist Visa (L)

Most travelers to China are required to get a China tourist visa, L visa for short, which allows them to travel freely in most parts of China as tourists, assuming that they do not qualify under the  visa-free policies of China . Passports, application form, and documents showing the itinerary or an invitation letter from China are the essential application documents.  

In most cases, a tourist can get a single entry L visa with a stay duration of 30 days. UK, US, Canadian, Brazil and Argentine citizens are able to get a 10-year China tourist visa with multiple entries. If travelling with an organized tour group, you might not have an individual visa in your passport.  Instead, the tour group will be issued a group tour visa bearing all the members' names. In such situations supply your details to the travel agency beforehand and you will have no further concerns.

If travelling independently, you need to handle visa affairs on your own. The process is not complicated if you follow the guidelines below.  

China Tourist Visa Requirements & Documents

1. passport.

- Your passport  with at least 6 months remaining validity and available blank pages, and a photocopy of passport's data page.  

2. Application Form

- One accurately completed China Visa Application Form. Please fill in every column of the application form. If the application form is not filled out truthfully, completely and legibly, there could be a delay in processing or refusal of the application.  

3. Recent Photo

- A recent passport-size color photo with white background.  

4. Round-trip Tickets Plus Hotel Bookings or Invitation Letter from China

- Documents showing the itinerary including proof of round trip tickets booking and proof of hotel reservation. - Or, if you are being invited to China, you can submit an invitation letter issued by the inviter, whether it's an entity or individual, with following information: a. Information on the applicant, including full name, gender, and date of birth. b. Information on the planned visit, including arrival and departure dates, place(s) of visit. c. Information on the inviter, including name, contact number, address, official stamp, and signature of the legal representative of the entity or the inviting individual.  

5. Other Supporting Documents

a. For those not applying in their country of citizenship, a proof of legal stay or residence status is required. b. In some cases, applicants may need to submit a certification letter from the employer of the applicant with details as follows: name and contact number of the employer, the applicant's income statement, or original copy of recent 6-month bank statement of the applicant. c. Applicants who intend to travel to Tibet must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit , which can be obtained from Tourism Bureau of Tibet Autonomous Region by travel agencies.

How to Get a Chinese Tourist Visa

After preparing all the required documents, make an appointment with Chinese embassies, consulates, or a Chinese Visa Application Center (CVASC) if there are any in your country to submit the application. Generally, applicants aged 14-70 need to go in person. If you don't need to go personally, you can entrust someone else, such as a travel agency or a visa agency to act on your behalf. Applications by mails are not accepted and will be refused at most Chinese embassies, consulates or CVASCs. But the mail-back service is available in more cases.   

Processing Time

It normally takes 4 working days for processing a China travel visa. For express service, an additional fee of USD 20 will be charged for two or three working day service. For rush service, an additional fee of USD30 will be charged for same-day service.  

Chinese Tourist Visa Cost

The visa costs vary depending on your nationality and number of entries. However, according to the Visa Fee Abolition Agreement, the nationals of following several countries can get a visa for free, but must pay for express service, rush service or mail service: Pakistan, Maldives, Bulgaria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovakia and Micronesia. For major countries, the fee is listed below.

China Tourist Visa Extension

Recommended tour packages.

Further Reading:

• Notice on New Adjustments to Chinese Visa and Entry Policies
• Guide on Epidemic Prevention and Control Measures For China-bound Travelers
• Notice on the Reopening of the Visa Office
• · Visa for Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR of China（2024-02-29）
• · FAQs About China's Port Visas and Other Related Issues（2024-02-26）
• · Requirements and Procedures for Chinese Visa Application(Updated in February, 2024)（2023-03-14）
• · Tourist Visa (L-Visa) Application Documents to be Simplified（2023-12-29）
• · 2024 Holiday Schedule for the Visa Office of the Chinese Embassy（2023-12-26）
• · Visa Office Close on Dec. 25, 2023 and Jan. 1，2024（2023-12-18）
• · Notice on Reducing Visa Fee（2023-12-08）
• · China to Apply Unilateral Visa -Free Policy to Six More Countries on A Trial Basis（2023-11-25）
• · Notice on Walk-in Without Appointment Visa Application Service（2023-10-20）
• · Chinese Visa Application Frequently Asked Questions（2023-09-18）
• · Compensation Arrangements for the Use-Suspension of 10-year Multi-Entry Visa due to the COVID-19（2023-06-22）
• · Visa Processing Fees（2023-12-08）
• · Notice on New Adjustments to Chinese Visa and Entry Policies（2023-03-13）
• · Notice on the Reopening of the Visa Office（2023-01-12）
• · Hong Kong "e-Visa" Arrangement（2021-12-28）
• · Chinese Visa Photo Requirements（2016-12-05）

For applicants who are going to China for business and want to stay for 90 days

What to Bring for China Visa Application: A Complete Checklist

Introduction.

Applying for a China visa requires careful preparation and attention to detail. To ensure a hassle-free application process, it’s crucial to have all the necessary documents and items ready when you visit the China Visa Application Centre (VAC). This article provides a comprehensive checklist of what to bring for your China visa application, helping you stay organized and increase your chances of a successful application.

Checklist for China Visa Application

1. valid passport.

Your passport is the most critical document for your China visa application. Make sure your passport has at least six months’ validity beyond your intended travel dates. Also, ensure that it has a sufficient number of blank pages for visa stamps.

2. Completed Visa Application Form

Fill out the China visa application form accurately and completely. The form can typically be downloaded from the official website of the Chinese embassy or consulate in Malaysia.

3. Passport-Sized Photos

Bring two recent passport-sized photos that meet China’s specifications. The photos should have a white background and adhere to the specified size and dimensions.

4. Photocopies of Documents

Prepare clear photocopies of the following documents:

• Passport bio-page (the page with your personal information)
• Previous China visa (if applicable)
• Supporting documents, such as invitation letters, itinerary, and hotel reservations

5. Proof of Travel Itinerary

Provide a detailed travel itinerary that includes your flight tickets and hotel reservations for the entire duration of your stay in China.

6. Visa Application Fee

Bring the required visa application fee in cash or as specified by the China Visa Application Centre. The fee may vary depending on the visa type and nationality.

7. Supporting Documents (As Applicable)

Depending on your visa type, you may need additional supporting documents. For example:

• Tourist Visa (L Visa) : Invitation letter from a Chinese host or travel itinerary, and proof of hotel booking for the trip.
• Business Visa (M Visa) : Invitation letter from a Chinese company, business registration certificate, and an introduction letter from the employer in Malaysia.

8. Accompanying Documents (For Minors or Dependents)

If you are applying for a China visa on behalf of a minor or a dependent, you will need additional documents, such as:

• Birth Certificate : Proof of relationship between the applicant and the accompanying minor.

9. Additional Passport Photos (For Visa on Arrival)

If you are applying for a Visa on Arrival at the entry port, it’s advisable to bring extra passport-sized photos for visa processing upon arrival.

10. A Printed Copy of the Appointment Confirmation

If you have made an appointment with the China Visa Application Centre, bring a printed copy of the appointment confirmation for verification.

Tips for a Smooth Visa Application

To ensure a smooth visa application process, consider the following tips:

• Double-check all documents for accuracy and completeness before submission.
• Organize your documents in a neat and orderly manner for easy reference.
• Arrive at the China Visa Application Centre well-prepared and on time for your appointment.
• Dress appropriately and present yourself in a professional manner during your visa application.

Applying for a China visa can be a straightforward process if you come prepared with the necessary documents and items. Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure you have everything you need before visiting the China Visa Application Centre. Remember to review the specific requirements based on your visa type and nationality. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you’ll be well on your way to obtaining your China visa successfully.

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As of March 15, 2023, the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in San Francisco  will adopt the following new requirements for Chinese visa application.

1.  Prepare the application document s according to the purpose of going to China  and the corresponding visa type :

2.   Who do not need to apply for a new visa:

a) Those applicable to various mutual visa exemption agreements

b) Those holding valid Permanent Residence Certificates in China

c) Those holding various types of valid Residence Permits

d) Those applicable to the 24-hour visa-free transit arrangement

e)   Those applicable to the visa-exemption policy for Hainan, visa-exemption cruise policy for Shanghai, visa-exemption policy for foreigners to visit Guangdong from Hong Kong and Macao, and visa-exemption policy for ASEAN tour groups to Guilin, Guangxi

f ) Those holding valid APEC business travel cards (Please note: The United States and Canada are transitional members of the APEC Travel Card Program. APEC business travel cards issued by the United States and Canada do not have visa function, and visas are required for those holders to go to China. ）

*Please contact the immigration inspection agencies of the intended destination for the application of the 72 and 144-hour Transit Visa Exemption Program.

3.   The consular jurisdiction of the Consulate   General of the People’s Republic of China in San Francisco includes North California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Alaska. Please confirm that the applicant lives in the above-mentioned states before submitting the visa application.

4.   Please note:

4.1 Applying for diplomatic, official, service visa or J1/J2 visa, please send an email to [email protected], and the staff will give corresponding instructions.

4.2 As of February 3, 2023, the physical visa application documents can be submitted to the Visa Office. Applications for legalization or authentication remain to be processed by email and while passport, travel document applications will continue to be conducted by APP. Please wear masks when entering the Visa Office, accept security check and follow the instructions of the Office staff.

4.3 As of March 13, 2023, visa applicants (or agents) need to log on to the website https://avas.mfa.gov.cn/ "Appointment for Visa Application Submission (AVAS)", and make appointments for on-site submission at the Visa Office. If the applicant goes to China to mourn or visit the critically ill relatives, he / she can email to [email protected] with the title of the email indicating "emergency humanitarian + state of residence + name of the applicant + passport number". In addition to the above-mentioned application documents, he/she is required to provide photocopy of notice of critical illness or death certificate, the identity certificate of the critically ill patient or deceased (such as Chinese ID card or foreign passport personal information page) and proof of kinship etc.. (Please note: if the title of the email or the application documents do not meet the requirements, the relevant applications will not be processed). For the applications that meet the requirements, guidance and convenience will be given.

4.4 If the original application documents are required ， please submit both the original and photocopies (or faxed or printed copies). If the original documents are not required, photocopies (or faxed or printed copies) will be accepted.

5.  Address of the Visa Office :

1450 Laguna Street, San Francisco, CA9 4 115  (Entrance at Geary Blvd)

6.  O ffice H ours:

9:30-14:30 (Monday to Friday, except weekends and holidays)

7.  Inquiries

    Email:  [email protected]

    Hotline: 415-919-6008 or 415-872-9091 (Monday to Friday   9:00 - 12:00, 13 :00 -1 4: 3 0, except weekends and holidays)

Annex 1 :   Important Tips for O nline COVA V isa F orm F illing

A1.1 Please carefully read the prompts and requirements of the COVA form system, and complete the entries of the visa application COVA online form step by step, making sure that the information is true, accurate and complete.

Please note: Once the application form has been submitted, it cannot be modified in any way.  

A1.2 The "location" option for submitting the visa application should be in line with the consular jurisdiction.

A1.3 Basic personal information. Surname, given names, gender, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport type, etc. must be exactly the same as those on the passport information page, otherwise your visa application will be returned.

A1.4 If you were born in China (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan), please note:

A1.4. 1 Application form 1.1E The native language name must be entered in Chinese with the Chinese character input method, please do not fill in "Chinese", "Chinese", etc.

A1.4 .2 In the application form 1.6G, select "Yes" for "former nationality", and then select the nationality information.

A1.4 . 3   Item 1.6H of the application form is required. If the applicant is applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, this entry will be automatically generated during the form filling process; but if the applicant has previously applied for a Chinese visa, this entry will not be displayed when filling in the online form, and the form must be printed out and supplemented by hand-written Chinese name and other information. This Item cannot be empty.

A1.5 Completely fill in the work experience and educational background

A1.5 . 1   Please fill in the complete work experience after graduation from school.

A1.5.2   The “position” and “duty” of the application form 3.3D and 3.3E must be filled in completely.

A1.5.3   Please fill in the complete learning experience since high school in 4.2, and the diploma/degree and major in 4.2C and 4.2D must be completed.

A1.6   Completely fill in each address

The address of the spouse in 5.5A of the application form, and the addresses of the parents in 5.5B and 5.5C must fill in the address of the current location, not the address of the place of birth. The address must be filled in completely, including street, city, state, and country.

A1.7   If you choose "not applicable" for any entry in the form, you need to state the reason for “not applicable”.

A1.8   Printing and signing. After completing the COVA online form filling, you must print out a full set of application forms, including the "Confirmation of Online Visa application" and "Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China" (depending on the individual filling situation, a total of 9 to 10 pages will be generated). All the pages of the forms must be printed to turn in, the signature and date on the Confirmation Page and the 8th page of Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China must be handwritten by the applicant him/herself. Visa applicant under the age of 18 is signed by their guardian, and meanwhile add a handwritten signature in the "For person filling in the application on the applicant’s behalf".

Annex 2 :   Contents of S1, S2, Q1, Q2 Visa Invitation Letter

Inviter’s name XX, gender X, date of birth: XX, Chinese ID number XXX (or foreign passport number XX, Chinese permanent residence card number XX), current address in China is XX, contact phone number XX, email XX.

I hereby invite the following relatives to visit China for a short-term visit/long-term residence. He/She plans to go to China on XX, and stay in China for XX days.

Invitee information: name XX, gender X, date of birth XX, nationality XX, passport number XX, and the relative relationship with the inviter is XX.

Inviter's signature:      Date:

  Annex 3 :   Contents of M , F and  L  Visa Invitation Letter

A3. 1   Personal information of the invitee: name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.

A3.2 Information about the invitee’s visit to China: reason for coming to China, date of arrival and departure, place of visit, relationship with the inviting unit or inviter, who will pay for the travel, etc.

A3.3 Inviting party information: inviting party name, address, telephone number, official seal, legal representative or inviter’s signature, date, etc. (the information must be included in the text of the invitation letter)

Annex 4 : Where You Stay Form

Please note: According to the visa application requirements, if the applicant is not in the United States, he cannot apply for a visa to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate   General in the United States.   If the applicant comes to the Consulate General in person to submit the physical application documents , he or she does not need to fill in the Where You Stay Form .

• Where you stay form.pdf

• Expat guide
• Short term visas for China

How to apply for a tourist visa to China

Ready to visit China ? This big and versatile country offers a lot to see and experience: from exciting business opportunities to a variety of cultural, historical and natural sights. However, before you can hop into a plane and fly over the Great Wall, you will need to check whether you need a tourist visa to visit China. In this article, learn about entry requirements to China and how to apply for a tourist visa if you need one.

Traveling to China

While China is lifting certain travel bans and restrictions that were imposed during the pandemic, the country still remains closed to most travel.

At this point, foreign nationals can only travel to China for work , family reunion and emergency situations. There have been no updates as to when the country may be opening up to tourism.

Currently, you can travel to China if:

• You hold a valid residence permit in China for work, personal matters or family reunion
• You hold a diplomatic, service, courtesy or C visa
• You have applied for and received a new visa to China. At this point, you can apply for visa types Z (work visa), M (business visa), R (high-level talent work visa), Q (private visit visa), S (family visa)

The restrictions regarding travel to China do change frequently — so it's essential that you check with the Chinese consulate or embassy in your home country about the latest travel regulations.

You should also check with the relevant local authorities in your home country regarding whether travel to China is currently considered safe.

Read also Professional visas for China

Entry requirements for China during the pandemic

As of May 2022, travelers from some countries (including the United States and Canada) are no longer required to take a PCR test seven days prior to traveling to the country. Travelers from select countries are now only required to take two PCR tests one to two days before arriving in China as well as a pre-flight antigen test. You will also need to have received two doses of approved COVID-19 vaccines at least two weeks before entry into China.

You must also travel to China via a direct flight from the country where you hold residency. This means that even if you have found a direct flight, for instance, from Dubai to Beijing — but if you are not a permanent resident in Dubai — you won't be able to take the flight to travel to China.

Naturally, this makes traveling to the country at this point very complicated. And, even if you have managed to secure a workable itinerary, there will still be conditions to your stay once you've arrived.

Upon arrival, you will be tested for COVID-19 again. If your COVID-19 test is positive, you will be sent to a government facility until you have fully recovered. In some cases, you may be allowed to quarantine in a designated hotel.

If your COVID-19 test is negative, you will need to go through quarantine. Depending on which area of the country you are traveling to, the quarantine may last from 14 to 21 days — and even more.

You should also be aware that the pandemic situation in China is frequently changing. With the zero COVID policy in place, some of the country's major cities, such as Shanghai, have experienced full-scale lockdowns. The anti-COVID measures have also resulted in disruptions in transportation, closures of schools, and more.

Who can travel to China visa-free?

Generally, most foreign travelers to China require a tourist (or other) visa that needs to be obtained before traveling. However, as China is entering into more mutual visa-free agreements with other countries, the situation may be changing.

One of the most recent changes concerned the citizens of the Republic of Belarus who were granted visa-free travel to China (up to 30 days per stay, no more than 90 days per year) as of August 10, 2018.

Currently, citizens of the following countries can travel to China visa-free:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina and San Marino (90 days);
• Mauritius (60 days);
• The Bahamas, Barbados, Ecuador, Fiji, Grenada, Qatar, Serbia, Seychelles, Tonga, United Arab Emirates and Belarus (30 days);
• Brunei, Japan, and Singapore (15 days).

There are a few other options for visa-free travel to China.

As of January 1, 2016, citizens of 53 countries can benefit from the Transit Without a Visa (TWOV) scheme. This allows travelers to stay in certain cities in China for up to 72 hours (3 days) or 144 hours (6 days) when transiting to another destination. However, under the TWOC scheme, you are not allowed to travel between cities in China and will be required to leave from the same airport you arrived at. Other conditions apply, and it's best to consult a Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country for details. The Chinese government has also created an online tool that lets you check whether you are eligible for the TWOC scheme depending on your country of origin and port of entry.

If you arrive in Hong Kong and hold a European, American, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand passport, you can apply for a five-day Chinese visa right at the Chinese border. Note that this type of visa, called 'Tourist visa to Shenzhen Special Economic Zone', is limited to the neighboring city of Shenzhen and the factories in the surrounding suburbs.

Another option to travel to China without a visa is limited to Hainan Island, which you can visit visa-free provided you join an organized tour from a local travel agency with a minimum of five participants.

Tourist visas to China

If you need a visa to visit China, you will need to apply for a tourist visa. It is also known as an L visa.

This type of visa is issued for those who travel to China for sightseeing, in group tours or to visit friends and family. It is typically valid for 90-180 days from the date of issue and allows up to 60 days of stay per visit. Most visas will be first issued for 30 days and can be further extended. If you wish to stay in the country for longer than 30 days, it's recommended to make it clear in the application. You may get a single entry or multiple entry visas.

Good to know:

US passport holders are eligible for tourist visas valid for up to ten years with a maximum of 60 days per visit (a ten year-visa is not a guarantee).

The Chinese Consulate reserves the right to issue visas with limited entry or shorter periods of stay and validity, depending on various factors.

Travel visa checklist for individual travelers in China

To apply for a tourist visa to China, you will be required to submit the following documents to the Chinese Embassy in your country:

• A passport valid for six months after the return date
• A duly completed visa application form
• A passport-sized photo
• A letter of invitation (when visiting friends and family)
• Return plane tickets and itinerary
• A visa application fee (varies depending on the country of origin)
• Additional documents may be required.
• Travel visa checklist for tour groups
• A collective tourist visa (or Tourist Group Visa) is issued to a group of at least five travelers organized by a travel agency who will enter and exit the country together.

The Tourist Group Visa will be stamped onto the Group Tourist Form and not into individual passports.

The documents needed to apply for the collective visa to China include:

• a letter of invitation from the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), from a region or a municipality under the Chinese central government, or a travel agency accredited by the Chinese authorities;
• completed Tourist Group Visa Form in triplicate (forms are available online or at Chinese embassies and consulates);
• and original passports arranged in the same order as the travelers' names appear on the Group Tourist Visa Form.

Note that fees will apply.

Please note that all the information provided above is for reference only. We strongly recommend that you contact your local Chinese Embassy or Consulate for up-to-date information and visa requirements and procedures before arranging your travels to China.

Other types of short-term visas for China

There are other short-term visa options you can consider when traveling to China.

F visa (non-commercial visa)

F visa used to be known as a business visa. But since the introduction of the M visa, F visa has been changed to a non-commercial visit visa. This type of visa is now issued to those who plan to travel to China for research, lecturing, scientific or cultural exchange, study tours, etc. For instance, you can ask a company you are cooperating with in China to send you an invitation for a consultation or a project overview. With this invitation, you can potentially apply for the F Visa.

F visas are issued for a single or double entry and allow 30 to 90 days' stay.

S2 (private short-term visa)

If you are traveling to China to visit your family members who are foreign nationals working or studying in China , you can apply for an S2 visa. You can also apply for this type of visa if you have other private matters to settle in China: visit friends, get divorced, receive medical treatment, adopt a child, etc.

The duration of stay granted under the S2 visa is typically 30 to 90 days per visit. To apply for an S2 visa for a family visit, you will need to provide proof of kinship.

Q2 visa (short-term family visa)

Q2 visa is meant for the descendants of Chinese citizens or foreign nationals married to Chinese citizens . You can apply for this type of visa if you want to visit your relatives who are Chinese citizens or relatives with permanent residence status in China. The duration of stay under the Q2 visa is typically granted for up to 120 days per visit.

Note that you can only work in China legally on a work visa. If you hold any of the short-term visas above, you can't seek employment in China. While you may find job offers that will allow you to make money "under the table” while on a tourist or business visa, this is illegal. If found out, you will need to pay a heavy fine, or you may even be deported from the country.

If you are interested in working in China, check out our article about professional visas for China.

Read also Finding work in China

As we've mentioned at the beginning of this article, traveling to China in 2022 is complicated. You can only travel to the country if you hold a valid residence permit, and visa applications are open to only a few specific visa types. You will also need to fly into China on a direct flight and comply with the strict zero-COVID 19 policies and probably undergo quarantine measures at your destination and transit cities.

If you want to travel to China, you need to monitor the situation closely. We are doing our best to keep this article updated. But as the entry requirements to China change frequently, make sure to check with a Chinese consulate or embassy in your home country before making any travel plans.

Useful link:

China Visa Application Center

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China Travel Checklist

What should you prepare and bring with you to China? Take a look at our China Travel Checklist for some guidance.

Arrange Well in Advance

• Passport and visa(s) or travel documents
• Foreign currency of your destination country
• Credit cards
• Travelers checks or ATM card
• Insurance cover: trip cancellation/medical/travel
• Photocopies of documentation
• Medical check, doctor's notes for medication, vaccinations
• Birth certificate (if necessary)
• Marriage license (if necessary)
• Buy any guide books and maps

Home Checklist

• Arrange for pet and plant care
• Stop routine deliveries
• Make your home seem lived-in while away by putting lights and a radio on timers
• Turn down thermostat
• Leave keys, your itinerary, and your contact information with family or friends
• Lock windows, garage, and doors

Basic Essentials

• All documents etc. arranged in advance (see top of list)
• Appropriate luggage (see specific destination information)
• Luggage locks & ID tags (Locks are needed for checked baggage when flying inside China.)
• Contact List with information of your travel advisor, tour guide, embassy, as well as your family and friends.
• Appropriate clothing for the weather and your activities
• Comfortable footwear
• Sun protection (hats, sunglasses)

Most of these things can be bought in China in a similar form to the West, but you may want to bring your own for your convenience/preference.

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss
• Shampoo, shower gel, soap, towel, flannel
• Lotions, creams
• Sunscreen, moisturizer, lip balm
• Shaver, shaving cream
• Nail clippers, and other personal hygiene items
• Small emergency first aid kit
• Aspirin / pain reliever
• Diarrhea medicine / laxative
• Contact lens preparations, eye drops
• Motion sickness medicine
• Allergy medicine (see Travelling with Allergies in China )
• Sleep medication
• Personal prescriptions
• Medical record (if necessary)
• Contact information of doctor or medical adviser

Electronics

• (Video) camera, with batteries and charger
• Cellphone and charger
• Laptop/tablet with power adapter

Other Suggestions

• Small flashlight
• Reading materials
• Guide books, maps, dictionary/phrasebook
• Games/music (PSP, media player)
• Ziplock plastic bags
• Insect repellent
• Snacks, water bottle, flask
• Alcohol wipes, hand sanitizer

Read  senior travelers ,  women travelers , and  traveling with kids , and our how to plan your trip information for each destination, for more helpful tips.

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GUIDELINE ON HOW TO APPLY FOR A CHINA VISA

Part 1. Information About Applying for Chin a Visa

Please read this guidance carefully before submitting your application.

1. The Chinese Diplomatic and Consular Missions in New Zealand reserve the right to interpret, amend and change the Chinese Visa requirements in accordance with the laws and regulations of the People's Republic of China. We also reserve the right to review, delay, refuse and cancel your visa without providing specific reasons. Visa validity, duration of stay, and number of entries are determined on an individual basis. Chinese Diplomatic and Consular Missions in New Zealand are not liable for any financial losses as resulting from any above scenario.

You are fully responsible and liable  if  your visa become invalid or unused due to change of personal or unforeseen circumstances. The Chinese diplomatic missions in New Zealand shall not refund for any visa application fees.

2. Effective from 23 October 2023, the Chinese Diplomatic and Consular Missions in New Zealand will no longer require appointment for visa submission.

1) All applicants, including diplomats, government officials, but excluding visa applications for Hong Kong SAR of China and Macao SAR of China, are required to access and complete China Visa Application Form through China Online Visa Application website ( cova.mfa.gov.cn ). Failure to provide accurate and complete information may result in the rejection of the application or denial of entry into China.

2)  Upon completion of the online form, applicants are advised to print out all forms and submit their application to the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand on any subsequent working day s , and fingerprint will be collected during the visit. There is no prerequisite for an appointment.

3) For individuals holding diplomatic and official passports, members of official delegations, or those applying for diplomatic, official, or courtesy visas, the procedures remain consistent and unchanged.

3. All applicants are required to have fingerprints collected, and the following applicants are exempted from collecting fingerprints:

1) Applicants who under the age of 14 or over 70;

2) Diplomatic passport holders, or applicants who are eligible for diplomatic, official, and courtesy visas; 

3) Applicants holding the same passport with fingerprints collected within 5 years. (The exemption will only be granted when the biometric sticker visa is still identifiable. Otherwise, the exemption will only be granted at the consular office where the fingerprints were originally collected.); 

4) Applicants with all ten fingers mutilated or all ten fingerprints uncollectible;

5)  Between 10 August and 31 December 2023, eligible applicants applying for single or double-entry visas under the categories of business, tourism, short-term family visit, transit, and crew membership are exempt from the fingerprint collection requirement.

4. For New Zealand born children with Chinese descent when travelling to China for the first time:

1) A child born in New Zealand is a New Zealand citizen by birth or has other citizenship by descent, and at the time of child's birth, one of the child's parents is Chinese citizen holding New Zealand Permanent Reside Visa or have permanent residency of other countries, the child is not a Chinese citizen by birth, and the child is required to apply for a Chinese Visa. Please refer to Apply for Chinese Visa for New Zealand-born Children of Chinese descent with New Zealand Citizenship .

2) A child born in New Zealand is a New Zealand citizen by birth or has other citizenship by descent, and at the time of child's birth, both parents are Chinese citizen who do not hold New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa or have permanent residency of other countries, the child is a Chinese citizen by birth, and the child is eligible to apply for a Chinese Travel Document.  Please refer to "How to apply for a Chinese travel document", and submit your application via Chinese Consul App.

3) A child born in New Zealand is not a New Zealand citizen by birth, nor has other citizenship by descent, and at the time of child's birth, one of the child's parents is Chinese citizen, the child is a Chinese citizen by birth, and the child is eligible to apply for a Chinese passport.  Please refer to "How to apply for a Chinese passport", and submit your application via Chinese Consul App.

5. You may not change or withdraw your visa applications once they have been accepted for processing. Any supporting documents your provided will not be returned and please make additional copies if you wish to keep them. 

6. It normally takes 4 working days to process visa applications. If you are asked to provide further documents or certain documents need to be verified, we’ll get in touch with you regarding the timeline. In urgent situations, you can opt for our express processing service, but it requires the approval of a consular officer.

7.  Following the announcement of cancellation of visa submission appointment requirement, we're implementing measures to avoid overcrowding in our office and ensure efficient processing, we require all visas and passports to be returned by courier. Please bring a prepaid, self-addressed courier pack when submit your applications.

Upon the granting of your visa, you will receive an email detailing the procedures for visa fee payment. Please check your email promptly and make the payment through online banking. Once we confirm the payment, passport will be returned via courier. If you request expedited processing or booked a travel to China within two weeks after submitting the application, please inform the staff on-site when you submit the application, so arrangements can be made for you to pick up your documents at the office.

8.  Please be aware of that the Chinese diplomatic missions in New Zealand have never built-up partnership with any agencies, nor have given authorisation to any agencies to be the official visa agencies, we do not recommend an agency you can use, and we treat all applicants equally, and no individuals or agencies have received any special treatment or exceptions for their visa applications.

Part 2. Visa Category and Required Documents

• Visa Category

2. Basic documents

1)  Passport. Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a photocopy of bio-data page of your passport.

2)  Photo. Must be a recent coloured ID photo, facing forward and with light coloured background, and bareheaded. ( Click here to check the photo requirement ).

3)   Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to those not applying for China visa in their country of citizenship). For non-New Zealand passport holder, when you apply for your China visa in New Zealand, you must provide the original and photocopy of evidence of your immigration status in New Zealand, such as citizen endorsement, residence, work or student visa.

4)  Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous China visas (applicable to foreign citizens those who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship). If you are applying for a China visa for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport and a photocopy of its data page. If you have obtained China visas before and want to apply for a China visa with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any China visa labels, you should present a photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the page with your photo if it is separate, as well as the pages with your previous China visa. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)

5)  Please click here to read specified requirement for New Zealand born child who is New Zealand citizen with Chinese descent and is applying for China visa for the first time.

3. Supporting Documents Based on Visa Category and Purpose of Travel

A letter of guarantee issued by a foreign transport company or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity in China

The original and photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Foreigners Permanent Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China.

An invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation should contain:

1)  Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).

2)  Information on the planned visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures).

3)  Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, a signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual).

Please Note:

A faxed copy, scanned copy or photocopy of letter of invitation are acceptable. Please make sure the letter of invitation is clear and easy to read. We may require the original documents.

An onward air (train or ship) ticket with confirmed date and seat to the destination country or region.

Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.

Applicants should contact the press section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance or and complete relevant formalities.

Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China or other authorized units in China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.

Applicants should contact the press section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance and complete the required formalities.

Documents showing the itinerary including air ticket booking record (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation, etc. or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation letter should contain:

1) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).

2) Information on the planned visit (arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, etc.).

3) Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, a signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual).

4) Photocopies of both sides of Chinese ID of the inviting individual or foreign passport and permanent residence permit.

Documents on the commercial activity issued by a trade partner in China, or trade fair invitation or other invitation letters issued by a relevant entity or individual. The invitation letter should contain:

2) Information on the planned visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures).

For family reunion, the following documents are required:

1)  An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain:

a)  Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).

b)  Information on the visit (a purpose of visit, intended arrival date, place(s) of intended residence, intended duration of residence, arrival and departure dates, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures).

c)  Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, a signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual, etc.).

2)  Photocopies of both sides of Chinese ID of the inviting individual or foreign passport and permanent residence permit.

3)  Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between the applicant and inviting individual.

"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.

For foster care, the following documents are required:

1)  Foster entrustment notarisation issued by Chinese Embassies/Consulates General in foreign countries or Foster Care Power of Attorney notarized and authenticated in the country of residence or in China.

2)  Original and photocopy of the consignor's passport(s), as well as the original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) notarized and authenticated certification showing the relationship between parents or guardians and children.

3)  A letter of consent on foster care issued by the trustee living in China who has agreed to provide foster care services and a photocopy of the ID of the trustee.

4)  A photocopy of the certificate indicating the permanent residence status abroad of the parent(s) when the child was born, provided that either or both parents of the child are Chinese citizens.

b)  Information on the visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures).

c)  Information on the inviting individual (name, contact number, address, signature etc.).

2)  Photocopies of both sides of Chinese ID or foreign passport and permanent residence permit of the inviting individual.

The applicant should submit the relevant certification in accordance with the relevant regulations, and meet the relevant requirements of the competent authorities of the Chinese government on high-level talents and individual with special skills urgently needed by China,

1)  An invitation letter from the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains:

a)  Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).

b)  Information on the visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place of intended residence, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.).

c)  Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.).

2)  A photocopy of the inviting individual's passport and residence permit

3)  Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of immediate family members between applicants and inviting individual.

"Immediate family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 and parents-in-law.

For visiting family members for a short period, the following documents are required:

1)  An invitation letter issued by the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains:

b)  Information on the visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.).

c)  Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.)

2)  A photocopy of the inviting individual's (a foreigner who stays or lives in China for work or studies) passport and residence permit.

3) Photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between the applicant and the inviting individual.

For private affairs, documentation identifying the nature of the private affairs should be provided as required by the consular officer.

1)  Original and photocopy of the Admission Letter issued by a school or other entities in China.

2)  Original and photocopy of "Visa Application for Study in China" (Form JW201 or Form JW202).

Original and photocopy of Admission Notice issued by a school or other entities in China.

One of the following documents:

1)  Foreigners Employment Permit of the People's Republic of China issued by Chinese government authorities for Human Resources and Social Security; if your intended work period is 90 days or less, you need to provide an Approval of Short-Term Employment for Foreigners Working in P.R. China. You must apply for your visa before the commencing work date indicated on the Approval and you will be allowed to work only within the period of time indicated in the Approval.

2)  Original Permit for Foreign Experts Working in China or Notification Letter of Foreigners Work Permit in China issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts.

3)  Copy of Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of enterprises of foreign countries(regions) issued by Chinese authorities of industrial and commercial administration.

4)  An approval document for commercial performance (original) issued by Chinese government authority for Cultural Affairs (only applicable to applicants for commercial performances in mainland China) and Approval of Short-Term Employment for Foreigners Working in P.R. China, applicants must submit visa applications before the commence date shown on Approval of Short-Term Employment for Foreigners Working in P.R. China, and shall not work more than the period of time shown on the approval letter.

5)  Letter of Invitation to Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations in China issued by China National Offshore Oil Corporation.

Part 3 Visa Application Processes

• Complete China Online Visa Application Form
• Submit Visa Application and Fingerprints Collection
• Payment and Passport Collection
• Complete Visa Application Form Online

1. Please complete your China Online Visa Application Form through the China Online Visa Application website (cova.mfa.gov.cn). All applicants are required to complete the online application form, including diplomats, government officials, but excluding visa applications for Hong Kong SAR of China and Macao SAR of China.

1)  Your application will be declined, or you can be refused entry permission to China if you provided inaccurate, false, or misleading information.

2)  You must upload an ID photo of yourself, and it must meet the visa photo requirement ( Click here to check the photo requirement ). Your application will be declined if you uploaded a photo of someone else. You will have to complete the online application and upload your own ID photo which meet the photo requirements.

3)  Applicant who was born in China (including Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, and Taiwan Province), you must enter your name in Chinese characters, if applicable.

2.  Print out Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China and Confirmation of Online Visa Application.

Once you have completed China Online Visa Application Form, you must also print all pages of Visa Application form of the People's Republic of China and Confirmation of Online Visa Application which generated automatically.

Applicant must sign at both "Applicant's Signature" on the printout of Confirmation of Online Visa Application and Visa Application form of the People's Republic of China. If someone assisted you in completing the application, the person who provided the assistance must also sign at "Signature" on the section 9 of Visa Application form of the People's Republic of China. Signatures must be a wet signature, we do not accept faxed, scanned, photocopied, and electronic signatures.

• Submission of Visa Application

B.1 Applicant to submit in person

B.2 Application submit via courier or post

1. Applicant to submit application to the office in person, and have fingerprint collected. Please note that the following applicants are exempted from collecting fingerprints:

2) Diplomatic passport holders, or applicants who are eligible for diplomatic, official and courtesy visas; 

4) Applicants with all ten fingers mutilated or all ten fingerprints uncollectible;

5) Between 10 August and 31 December 2023, eligible applicants applying for single or double-entry visas under the categories of business, tourism, short-term family visit, transit, and crew membership are exempt from the fingerprint collection requirement.

2. Please bring the following documents for your appointment:

1) Visa application form of the People's Republic of China;

2) Confirmation of Online Visa Application;

3) Original passport and photocopy of the bio-data page;

4) One paper-based photo;

5) Original or photocopy of supporting documents. ( Click to check "Supporting document for visa application" )

6) Prepaid envelope or courier package. Please make sure you have written the recipient's name, address and telephone numbers on the package;

7) Please make the payment via Internet banking as per instruction, make sure you have entered all required information and correct amount when paying your fee. ( Click to find out information about "Fees, Processing time and Payment methods" )

Please Note:

1) Applicant must submit applications to the corresponding consular office of the Embassy or Consulate-General in New Zealand in accordance with  consular district jurisdiction of the applicant's residential address in New Zealand . 

Application may be declined to process if received from areas outside consular district jurisdiction.

2) A pickup slip will be provided once your application has been accepted for processing and please keep the pickup slip in a safe place. You must present your pickup slip at the time of collection.

( Exclusive to applicants within the consular jurisdiction of the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand who are exempt from fingerprint collection )

1. Applicants exempt from fingerprint collection may submit their applications through post or courier service. Applications from areas beyond the consular jurisdiction of the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand may be rejected to process.

2. Please include the following documents when sending your application:

1) Visa application form of the People's Republic of China (remember to sign);

2) Confirmation of Online Visa Application (remember to sign);

4) One paper-based ID photo;

5) Original or photocopy of supporting documents; ( Click to check "Visa Category and Required Document for Visa Application" )

6) Prepaid envelope or courier package. Please make sure you have written the recipient's name, address and telephone numbers on the package.

3.Postal Address for Visa Application Submit to the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand (Wellington)

Consular Section

Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in New Zealand

14 Hill Street, Thorndon

Wellington 6011

Please Note :

1) Passport is a valuable personal item, we strongly recommend you using courier delivery which provides tracking service, such as NZ Post, Courier Post, and NZ Couriers.  Sending applications via regular mail is not recommended.

2) The Chinese Embassy in New Zealand will not be responsible for any loss, damage to your passports and documents, or delays caused by the post or courier.

3) Application fee can only be made via internet banking. We will send you an email containing payment details once your applications have been accepted for processing. When making the payment online, please make sure to follow the instructions included in the email.

4)  We do not accept applications sent by post or courier for expedited visa application processing. Your application will be processed within the standard processing timeframe.

C. Payment and Passport Collection

1. Following the announcement of cancellation of visa submission appointment requirement, we're implementing measures to avoid overcrowding in our office and ensure efficient processing, we require all visas and passports to be returned by courier. Please bring a prepaid, self-addressed courier pack when submit your applications.

Upon the granting of your visa, you will receive an email detailing the procedures for visa fee payment. Please check your email promptly and make the payment through online banking. Once we confirm the payment, passport will be returned via courier.

2. If you request expedited processing or booked a travel to China within two weeks after submitting the application, please inform the staff on-site when you submit the application, so arrangements can be made for you to pick up your documents at the office.

Upon submitting your application in person at our office, you will receive a pick-up slip. Please ensure that you have your pick-up slip ready when you come to collect your passport and make the visa fee payment at the counter. In cases where the applicant cannot personally collect the passport, authorization can be given to someone else for collection. The authorized individual must also present the pick-up slip during collection and make the visa fee payment.

Please click here for Fees, Processing Time and Payment Methods.

Please note:

1. Expedited visa service is unavailable for application submit via courier or post, or visa and passport need to be returned by courier or post. It normally takes 4 working days to complete provided it meets the necessary criteria, and we will arrange courier service to collect and return the documents.

2. Passport is a valuable personal item, we strongly recommend you using courier delivery which provides tracking service, such as NZ Post, Courier Post, and NZ Couriers. Sending applications via regular mail is not recommended.

3. The Chinese Embassy in New Zealand will not be responsible for any loss, damage to your passports and documents, or delays caused by the post or courier.

Part 4. Fees, Processing Time and Payment Methods

Table of visa fee and processing time

(All fees accepted in New Zealand dollar, per person)

Visa fee waiver countries based on bilateral agreements.

(Last update on 1 November 2017)

Payment Methods

1. Internet banking. Upon the granting of your visa, you will receive an email detailing the procedures for visa fee payment.

The payment methods below can only be used at the counter.

2. Credit card (Visa and MasterCard)

4. UnionPay (Credit card, Debit card, QuickPass)

5. WeChat Pay

*To  apply for the emergency humanitarian visa for the purpose of arranging funeral matters or visiting a family member in critical medical conditions in China, applicants shall submit the identity document of the deceased or critically ill patient (such as a Chinese identity card or a foreign passport), a death certificate or a medical certificate of the patient issued by the hospital, proof of kinship, and other necessary documents as required.

III.  Application Procedures:

To apply for the above visas, applicants are required to fill in the online application form and make an appointment on the  Chinese Visa Application Service Centre  (CVASC) website before submitting applications in person on the date of the appointment and having their  ten fingers ’ fingerprints collected. Children under the age of 14 and adults above the age of 70 are not required to go to the  CVASC  for such biometric information collection. Please contact the CVASC for specific procedures, visa application requirements, processing time and fees.

IV.  Diplomatic, service or courtesy visa applicants shall also submit applications at the CVASC. The applicants are not required to pre-book time slots, but shall complete and print out the online application forms in advance.

V.  Foreign nationals who apply for visas for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or the Macao Special Administrative Region can submit applications to the  consular section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulates in the UK during  business hours with no need for pre-booked appointments.

VI.  Visa applications for visiting purposes which are not included above will not be accepted at the moment.

VII.  Holder of a valid Chinese residence permit, or valid permanent documents and APEC Business Travel Cards ( excluding Virtual ABTC) does not need to apply for a new visa for entry into China .

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• About the Visa Centre
• Office Hours & Location
• Legal Information
• Help by E-MAIL
• Suggestions and Complaints
• 2024/04/03 Important Notice
• 2024/04/02 Holiday Notice for Eid al-Ftir
• 2024/04/01 Guide to Payment Services in China
• 2024/03/07 Notice of office hours changing during Ramadan
• 2023/08/16 Notice on Adjusting the Fingerprint Collection Measures for Chinese Visa Applications
• 2023/03/20 Notice on Updating Visa Requirements for Traveling to China

Important Notice

Important Notice: Please note that from April 16, our website and online form filling function will be upgraded at the same time. If you have filled application form on April 15 or earlier, please come to the Chinese visa application service center to submit the application before April 16 (Tuesday). Starting from April 17, CVASC will no longer accept application forms filled and downloaded before April 15. We apologize for any inconvenience caused. 

Effective from 20th November 2023, China Visa Application Service Center in Dubai will start appointment-free visa application. Applicants holding ordinary passports are required to fill out the application form online on CVASC website ( https://www.visaforchina.cn/DXB2_EN/ ). After completion, please download and print the paper form, sign on the confirmation page, and then submit the application with relevant documents directly to the Visa Application Center during working hours, applicant has no need to make appointment online from now on. Applicant can send email via [email protected] to confirm the latest requirements and documents checklist in advance Due to effective of  the walk-in without appointment visa application service, there may be peak periods with a large number of on-site applicants, especially on Mondays, Tuesdays and Friday afternoons. It is recommended to plan your time accordingly, submit your application at non-peak times, and follow the instructions of on-site staff.

China Visa Application Service Center 17 November 2023

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Update - Victoria’s skilled visa nomination program 2023-24

PUBLISHED: 18 APRIL 2024

Victoria’s 2023-24 state nominated skilled visa program will close to new Registrations of Interest (ROI) at 5pm AEST on Tuesday,  23 April 2024 .

In 2023-24 the Australian Government allocated Victoria 3,300 skilled visa places, including 2,700 for the subclass 190 visa and 600 for the subclass 491 visa.  About 3,200 of these nominations have been used.

We will continue to assess submitted ROIs for any remaining nomination places in the 2023-24 program year.

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